[Training] what is life without a few pot holes?

Deeds will not be less valiant
because they are unpraised.

He couldn't fault Liam for feeling drained with his new role as a carpenter, especially after years of moderate activity. The job alone was demanding without adding on the decreased mobility. Still, Zavien laughed playfully at the jibe, shaking his head as he moved. "I have a feeling being a dad might run me ragged - add a few years onto my life." He wondered how long he had until his knees started complaining. 

They locked swords before Liam was stepping to the side. The blades slide off each other in a metallic whine while Zavien adjusted to the change in resistance. It sent them breaking apart, and he barely had enough time to lift his sword against Liam's attack, his stance awkward and less than ideal when their swords met again. 

---

4/4

Zavien

This scene feels like what I once saw on a screen
I searched 'aurora borealis green'

Liam laughed heartily at that; having experienced having children of his own, he could confirm that Zavien was probably right. "I can't say you're wrong," he said, smiling even as they locked swords. With a grunt, he was stepping away, blades sliding with a metallic whine as he disentangled himself. "But it's worth it." Everything about children - even the ways they changed everything about a person - was worth it, in the end.

Liam's blow landed with a screech against his Oakblade, Zavien's stance awkward as Liam advanced. Growing more comfortable - and therefore more confident - he did Zavien the courtesy of not holding back, giving the fight his all. He pressed his advantage immediately, stepping towards his friend and raining yet another arching blow towards the other man's free arm.

---

4/4

I've never seen someone lit from within
Blurring out my periphery

Liam

Deeds will not be less valiant
because they are unpraised.

He gave Liam a bright smile, unwavering in his excitement for fatherhood. "I look forward to it." From the aches and stress and work of parenting to the joy and happiness of the little life they'd get to meet, Zavien was ready to embrace it all despite what trepidations he held. 

Distracted by the conversation and his attempts to regain his footing, he wasn't prepared when Liam struck again. He tilted in place, the Oakblade too far away to block the incoming strike before it made contact with the material of his jacket. The fabric was a pathetic barrier for the heat, immediately sinking through to sear the flesh beneath. 

Pain blossomed, bright and hot against where the blade made contact, and although he'd been ready for it, the wound was excruciating. "Wooh. That hurts." He breathed through clenched teeth, his smile twisted into a grimace as he reached up to brace against the pain. Nodding, he looked to Liam approvingly. "Nice swing."

His ring glowed softly against the burn, taking away the sharpest edges of the pain and heat as he said, "I think that's probably good enough for Safrin."

Zavien

This scene feels like what I once saw on a screen
I searched 'aurora borealis green'

Zavien had had the upper hand for the majority of the spar, and Liam wasn't prepared for him to falter now. As such, his swing was merciless, right up until he realized that his friend wasn't going to block in time. He tried to pull the blow, but it was too late - the sword sank into fabric and flesh. "Fuck," Liam cursed, instantly pulling the blade away. The good news about the heat, at least, was that the majority of the wound had cauterized, the damage seemingly not as severe as it might have been otherwise. Leaning in to peer at the gaping hole - which was slowly knitting back together thanks to Zavien's ring - Liam winced apologetically. "I know you said Safrin wanted you to feel it, but I'm sorry all the same."

Stepping back, Liam shifted to rub the back of his neck awkwardly. It might not be a lingering wound, but he still felt bad about having injured his friend. He really needed to get a healing item soon; if Zavien didn't have his own, he'd really be in a world of hurt just now, and the best Liam would have been able to offer would have been to take him to the nearest healer.

I've never seen someone lit from within
Blurring out my periphery

Liam

Deeds will not be less valiant
because they are unpraised.

Not wanting Liam to feel bad for something he'd asked him to do, Zavien shook his head, momentarily releasing his arm to wave away any guilt that might try to land. "Don't be. It'll heal." Although painful, it was a temporary wound that would be more than worth it in the end. His sword would be stronger for it. He would be stronger for it. 

Taking a deep breath, the harsh lines of pain dulled, his smile less strained when he directed it to the man. "Thanks for the help." He glanced down at the weapon still clutched in his grasp, lifting it for Liam to take back. "Your sword is really something, and you haven't lost your skills yet," he said, a playful gleam shining amidst the green of his gaze. Liam might feel old, but holding his own with an unfamiliar sword was proof enough that the skills weren't buried too deep in the past.

Zavien

This scene feels like what I once saw on a screen
I searched 'aurora borealis green'

Zavien tried to wave away the guilt threatening to take hold in Liam, but despite the other man's insistence, he still didn't like having been the source of such an injury. It made him wonder - if this was Safrin's will, what kind of goddess was she? Or were all gods so cruel as to ask for pain as penance for mortal requests?

But then Zavien was returning Liam's Oakblade; they traded swords once more, Liam sheathing his much-lighter weapon at his side. "Thanks," he said, smiling appreciatively. "Yours is, too." As for his skills, he waved away the compliment. He'd made his share of mistakes during their bout, but he appreciated the sentiment all the same.

"Come on," he said after sheathing his blade. "Let's go find something to eat. You can tell me more about your impending fatherhood." Calling Primrose and Vale over from where they lingered with Sol, Liam led the way back towards civilization - and the warmth that it promised over food and drinks.

fin

I've never seen someone lit from within
Blurring out my periphery

Liam